Back in Monterey- Ready to Head to Morro Bay and Points South 12.2.19

12.2.19

We are back in Monterey preparing to leave. We had one of the most special Thanksgivings we have ever had in Cayucos with the Bettencourt family. That time is deserving of its own post which hasn’t been written simply because our hearts are so full and there is so much to say and think and feel about our time with them and their extended family.

For now, we have driven back from Cayucos in our rented car through the beautiful wine country. We rented a car because of big storms off the coast. We left Tomten in Monterey under the watchful eye of a fellow Island Packet owner we met in the marina.

We will sail to Morro Bay for a few days because we have not had our fill of visiting with our friends. Also, the majestic rock and striking entrance to Morro Bay looks like a special place to make landfall.

On the day we leave Monterey two things happen: both involving rainbows. First a double rainbow comes out in the watery sky just as we leave and just after we have had some hard family time. Who can’t look up and take pause when the sky is filled with color

The second moment happens while getting fuel from the harbor dock. Monterey Bay is one of the most pristine, rich, diverse and bountiful marine environments in the world- and why we came here. We have a tiny fuel spill. It happens so easily when filling tanks on deck. Every dock is different- every protocol at every dock is different. There are distractions because of family tension. Their fuel delivery system is far too powerful for our small deck fill.

To our complete horror a rainbow of petroleum spreads around the boat in a small lake; a few tablespoons is all it takes to cover a large area very quickly. Luckily for us the dock attendant is able to trap the spill with oil booms very quickly. We pay a fine and leave, having learned some new lessons about the care needed when re-fueling (and a few other lessons as well)

We are on our way on another grey, windy and cold passage down the glorious California coast. We all agree that we are glad we rented a car so we were able to experience Highway 1 and Big Sur from land as we cruise out of sight of land now. We need to stay far from the dangerous coastline, small craft and fishing activity.